mattyintegrals/bakeneko-60

A simple 60% keyboard

Bakeneko 60

A simple 60% keyboard for DIYers. This project is a special homage to TGR x Singa UNIKORN 60 and OTD 356 Mini

Features

• Mounting method using O-ring gasket and bottom cushion to support the PCB
• Single piece tray case
• USB-C with Unified Daughterboard
• QMK firmware and VIA ready
• Compatible with common 60% plates

Layouts

Specs

• Dimensions: 295 x 110 x 30mm
• Front height: 18.6mm
• Home row height: 31mm(with GMK keycaps and bumpons)
• Case material: Nylon(SLS 3D Printing)
• Case weight: ~310g
• Typing angle: 6 degree
• O-ring gasket: VMQ-50(Silicone 50 duro) AS568-262 / AS568-263 for split backspace

Typing Sounds

Bakeneko 60 Typing Sounds - YouTube

Showcase

Bakeneko 60 V2 Showcase - Imgur

Assets

PCB

• bakeneko-60/pcb

Firmware

• https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/bakeneko60

Case

• bakeneko-60/case

Plate

• bakeneko-60/plate

Compatibility

PCB

• Compatible with Plain60 Flex Edition rev2.1
  • Please note that this is a one-way compatibility: the Plain60 Flex will fit the Bakeneko 60 case, but the Bakeneko PCB may not fit all cases that the Plain60 Flex fits

Plate

• The followings has been tested. I haven't tested the other plates, but a typical 60% plate should fit
  • KBDFANS 60% CNC'D ALUMINUM PLATE
  • KBDFANS BRASS 60% PLATE
  • KBDFANS 60% PC MATERIAL PLATE

Daughterboard

• Can use USB-C daughterboard + cable

Guide on how to get parts

There is only an outline here at the moment. Detailed steps will be added if needed

PCB

• The gerber files are attached to the release page
  • These files are optimized for JLCPCB's SMT assembly service so may be required to modify when ordering from other manufacturers
  • Keep in mind that they do not solder JST connector so you must solder it yourself

Stabilizers

• PCB Snap-in stabilizer is highly recommended
• With the screw stabilizer, the O-ring is pressed hard on the spacebar and backspace key so it has too tight feel

Case

• Order with your preferred 3D printing service with step file
• I ordered a prototype from local 3D printing service

Plate

• Most easy way is to buy compatible plate from KBDFANS
• Or, use the dxf file for cutting service
  • I ordered a brass and aluminum plate from LaserBoost and a polycarbonate plate from BIG BLUE SAW

Daughterboard

• Most easy way is to buy USB-C daughterboard + cable
• Secure with four M2x4mm tapping screws
• In my case, I ordered a Unified Daughterboard PCB from JLCPCB, purchased parts from LCSC and soldered them myself. Recommended for those who love soldering and are good at it
  • Also need to get a JST-SH 4-pin cable. I bought one from AliExpress with a 150mm length. It was a little too long, but there is no problem with using it
  • The cable should be what is called "one-to-one" or "same direction". Do not select "Reverse direction". See also Unified Daughterboard wiki about this topic

O-ring

• I got it from local vendor in Japan. One for about $7 ~ 8
• McMaster-Carr seems to have same spec O-ring
  • I haven't bought it and haven't tested it, but it might works
  • https://www.mcmaster.com/as568-o-rings/cross-section-shape~round/dash-number~262/hardness~durometer-50a/
  • https://www.mcmaster.com/as568-o-rings/cross-section-shape~round/dash-number~263/hardness~durometer-50a/

Feet cushion

• Use Bumpons with the following spec. 3M SJ5302 will fit
  • Diameter: 7.9mm
  • Height: 2.2 mm

Cushion to support PCB

• It's up to you to decide what to use but will share some of my experiences here
• Silicone string
  • I bought extra silicone O-rings and cut them short. Place it in the case and place the PCB on it
  • At the moment, this is my favorite way
• EVA foam
  • When I was experimenting with different materials, I just had a KBDFANS module foam, so I used it. Cut those edges to a suitable size and place in the case

Contact

Feel free to contact me via the geekhack thread or DM if you have any questions
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107316.0

Special thanks to

• Elaine for Unikorn. Allowed me to publish the Unikorn-inspired case as open source and encouraged me
• Of course, I also show my respect and gratitude to yuktsi
• coarse for PCB review and kind support. His great work has refined the PCB well

Also I should mention

• OTD for 356 Mini. Origin of O-ring gasket mount style
• Evy for Plain60 series. I used it as a reference for my PCB design. They also answered my miscellaneous questions
• ai03 for MX_Alps_Hybrid and random-keyboard-parts.pretty. Also got a lot of help from his discord server
• overset for JP01. The idea of publishing the case design on Onshape. After seeing their great work I switched from fusion360 to Onshape
• And many community members for giving me advice and feedback, thanks!